New Plans Unveiled to Boost the UK’s Fishing Industry
- The government is responding to concerns from the fishing industry by eliminating the requirement for medical certificates for small-scale fishing operations.
- This change affects current fishermen working on vessels of 10 meters or less, following a significant outpouring of support from both fishermen and coastal communities.
- This initiative ensures that fishermen can maintain their essential contributions to the UK’s fishing sector and coastal economies.
In response to comprehensive consultations with the fishing sector, the government has announced the removal of the mandatory routine medical checks for fishermen operating on vessels that are 10 meters or under. This measure aims to alleviate financial pressure and bolster the fishing communities across the UK.
Although the safety of fishermen remains paramount, the government is implementing this practical adjustment to prevent small-scale fishing businesses from being forced to dock and overburdened with the costs associated with medical evaluations, enabling them to fish without unnecessary constraints.
This decision reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to supporting the livelihoods of small-scale fishing enterprises, which make up over 80% of the fishing vessels registered in the UK. Unlike larger fishing operations, the operators of smaller vessels are typically self-employed and often require greater assistance.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper is visiting Cornwall today (27 March 2024) to engage with local fishermen following an industry-wide consultation on medical exemptions that received broad support from the fishing community and coastal residents.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated:
This government is committed to supporting our fishing industry, which is why we have listened carefully to fishing communities and are reducing the burdens placed on small-scale fishermen, ensuring they can continue their work without hindrance.
Our fishing sector will continue to operate safely, backed by our top-notch safety standards, while underpinning the UK fishing industry that is crucial to many coastal economies.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer remarked:
Vessels under 10 meters are a vital component of the UK’s fishing landscape, and today’s action ensures that those working on these vessels are relieved from the expense of medical assessments.
Following our discussions, we’ve paid attention to the industry, and these changes will enable fishermen to carry out their essential work productively and safely.
In November 2023, new regulations mandated that fishermen on small UK-flagged vessels obtain a certificate confirming their medical fitness. Although initial exemptions were made concerning eyesight, BMI, diabetes, and seasonal workers, the latest decision expands this exemption to encompass all existing small-scale fishermen.
With this groundbreaking decision, the government has also broadened eligibility criteria. Initially, during the consultation phase, it was proposed that fishermen on vessels of 10 meters and under must have been active for a minimum of 4 weeks within the year preceding the regulation’s implementation. However, acknowledging the likelihood of exclusions due to circumstances such as illness, this timeframe has been extended to 2 years.
Elena Rossi is a graduate of the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Economics. Her coursework centered on farm management, agricultural policy, and rural development. Elena is dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of small farms and works as a policy analyst, advising on agricultural economics and food security issues in Europe.